Immigrant Heritage Month: Espaillat Holds Roundtable on Immigration Reform

By SÍLE MOLONEY

U.S. Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), FWD.us and New York community leaders and immigrants will hold a roundtable on Tuesday, June 29, to mark Immigrant Heritage Month (IHM), a month which has been celebrated each June for the last eight years, and recognized by many state and federal leaders, including President Joe Biden. As IHM comes to an end, Espaillat’s office representatives said the roundtable discussion will celebrate the many contributions made by immigrants to New York, will highlight the benefits that immigrants bring to the State, and will discuss what they describe as the critical need for legislation to

By ARACELIS BATISTA, DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY

The following is an extended version of the story that appears in our latest print edition. Music industry professionals have joined forces to form the concept for the International Salsa Museum (ISM) in The Bronx and organizers recently held a press conference in Kingsbridge Heights, outside the massive Kingsbridge Armory which they hope will, someday, be the home of “El Condado de la Salsa.” The ISM is a non-profit which was created to educate and increase the public’s awareness of salsa and to “preserve salsa music’s rich cultural history.” It was founded by musician, music director, and producer, Willy

By DAWN CLANCY & MIRIAM QUIÑONES

Hip Hop enthusiasts across the five boroughs gathered on Sunday, June 5, at Gun Hill Playground in The Bronx to celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month and honor the legacy of hip-hop’s first female emcee, MC Sha-Rock. Against the backdrop of ample sunshine and live music, some of hip hop’s earliest titans, including Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Lil Rodney C of Funky 4 +1, DJ Breakout, and battle rapper Sparky D, paid tribute to MC Sha-Rock, whose musical talents and contribution to Hip Hop culture helped shape the scene for women in Hip Hop

By SARAH HUFFMAN & SÍLE MOLONEY

Editor’s Pick Outdoor Pool Season at New Van Cortlandt “Cool Pool” NYC Parks’ outdoor pools will open beginning Saturday, June 26, through Sunday, Sept. 12. Daily hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Pool capacity will not be limited for the upcoming season. Social distancing is still recommended, and face coverings will be required to enter the facility.

Mass Vaccination Sites All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first served basis. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or call (877) 829-4692. COVID-19 Testing Sites For a full list of COVID-19 testing sites, text “COVID TEST” to 855-48 or go to: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page. Home Vaccinations for 12-Year-Olds and Older On June 23,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The City Council approved legislation on Thursday, June 17, to create the NYC Mayor’s Office of Ethnic and Community Media, making it the first mayor’s office in the country dedicated to strengthening the relationship between city government and ethnic and community outlets. The legislation, known as Intro. 2313, was sponsored by Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Manhattan Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Bronx Council Member Oswald Feliz (C.D. 15), and Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. Johnson is currently running for city comptroller, and on June 19, was endorsed as second-choice candidate for the role by the Bronx Democratic Party, which had

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Check out the following events taking place across the Bronx over this Juneteenth and Father’s Day holiday weekend. Saturday, June 19, 2021 Seton Falls Park Forest Restoration 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Marolla Place and Boller Avenue, Seton Falls Park, Bronx Upper River Paddle 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Shoelace Park, Bronx Park, Bronx Intermediate Canoeing 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orchard Beach Parking Lot, Pelham Bay Park, Bronx Bronx Sole Celebrating Juneteenth 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Franz Sigel Park, Bronx The 18th Annual Hunts Point Fish Parade & Summer Festival 11 a.m. to 5

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

A jam-packed agenda extended the May Bronx Community Board 7 (CB7) general board meeting to just under two hours. Much of the meeting, held on May 25, was spent going over the nominations for incoming officer positions for the upcoming year, including chairperson, first vice chair, second vice chair, third vice chair, treasurer, and secretary. Several motions were also passed, including those relating to requested letters of support from the board to different city agencies and elected officials. Each year, during the general board’s May meeting, nominations are made for new officer positions, and the final vote is

Over a year into the pandemic, the 2021 Memorial Day service at Woodlawn Cemetery was almost a return to normalcy with Mitch Rose, president and CEO of the cemetery, saying this year, he “called in the marines.” For the first time, the New York City Department of Veteran Services (DVS) were invited to participate in the event, and were also invited to bring some friends. This year’s ceremony at Woodlawn, located at 3800 Jerome Avenue, was held on Saturday, May 29, and the cemetery partnered with DVS and the Bob Woodruff Foundation in hosting the event. It was well

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Culture

Immigrant Heritage Month: Espaillat Holds Roundtable on Immigration Reform

UPDATE: International Salsa Museum Seeks Home in the Bronx’s Kingsbridge Armory

Music Fans Gather to Honor the Legacy of MC Sha-Rock, Hip Hop’s First Female MC

Out & About: Outdoor Pool Season, LGBTQIA Roundtable, Born in Flames: Feminist Futures & More!

Neighborhood Notes on Home Vaccinations for 12-Year-Olds & Older, Fireworks Display, Gun Buyback Event & More

City Council Passes Law to Create NYC Mayor’s Office of Ethnic & Community Media

Weekend Events for Juneteenth and Father’s Day

Bronx CB7 May General Meeting Sees New Officer Nominations & Veterans Fare Discounts

Woodlawn Welcomes Vets for Memorial Day Service